Iraqi president Jalal Talabani has been flown to Germany for further medical treatment after suffering a stroke earlier this week.

Kurdish politician Mahmoud Othman said the 79-year-old left Baghdad for Berlin early on Thursday. The decision to move the ailing president came after a medical team from Germany recommended he be taken abroad for treatment.

It was not immediately known what German hospital Mr Talabani would be taken to.

Mr Talabani is a senior Kurdish leader and has been a symbol of unity in Iraq.

Questions remain about the seriousness of his illness. Hospital officials and his office have released few details to the public, though they say he is showing signs of improvement.